Abstract:
The changing of global warming and the participation of human activities has
seen the rise of disasters globally. In their nature, natural disasters leave
vulnerable community members homeless and health challenges. As a result,
those affected tend to be in serious need of counselling; that is where social
workers get involved. On that note, this study aimed to explore and describe
the communal traditional coping strategies used by Runnymede community
members in the face of natural disasters. This study adopted a qualitative
research approach using exploratory-descriptive research designs. The study
was conducted at Runnymede Village, found in Tzaneen Municipality,
Limpopo Province, South Africa. The researchers used a purposive sampling
design to sample community members at Runnymede village who could shed
light on the factors contributing to natural disasters and coping strategies. The
researchers used individual semi-structured interviews to interview 9
participants in the study. The collected data was then analysed thematically
using Thematic Content Analysis. The study found that socio-economic factors
predispose community members to natural disasters. It further indicated that
several strategies, that is, traditional practices and prayers, are adopted by
community members to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. The study
concludes that even though community members are exposed to the rampage
effects of natural disasters, they still use their indigenous knowledge to mitigate
those effects.
